1874 Record of the Boston Base Ball Club by George Wright

Extremely rare and previously unknown edition of George Wright's 1874 history of the Boston Base Ball Club, entitled Record of the Boston Base Ball Club, Since its Organization, With a Sketch of all its Players for 1871, '72, '73, and '74, and Other Items of Interest. As its title states, this extraordinary volume, of which this is believed to be the only copy in existence, provides a detailed history of the Boston Base Ball Club from 1871 to 1874. Boston was a charter member of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players in 1871 and was league champion from 1872 through 1875. If anyone was qualified to write a history of the club at that time it was George Wright, who was not only the club's top player but also one of the best players in the league. The fifty-two page volume features numerous short biographies of each of the players along with game results and averages for both the Boston players and other Association members. It is uncertain whether this volume was published with an additional cover or issued in its present state; being the only example known to date, we do not have another copy with which to compare. The saddle-stitched volume features both a portrait image of Wright and the book's title on the front page. Published by Rockwell & Churchill, Boston. The book is in remarkably fine condition, especially considering its fragile nature, with a few minor edge chips and toning visible along the front page, and a very small stain visible from the reverse at the top of the spine. Very Good to Excellent condition. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$800.SOLD FOR $1,740.00

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